GlaxoSmithKline GmbH & Co. KG
Pharmaceutical Companies · München
GlaxoSmithKline GmbH & Co. KG is the German subsidiary of britisch-amerikanischen Pharmariesen, based in München. Key areas: Impfstoffe, HIV/Infektionskrankheiten, Onkologie, Immunologie sowie rezeptfreie Gesundheitsprodukte (Haleon).
Content in German
The detailed company information on this page is provided in the original German language. You can use your browser's built-in translation feature to view it in English.
Right-click on the page and select "Translate to English" or use the translation icon in your browser's address bar.
GlaxoSmithKline GmbH & Co. KG Address & Contact
Company profile
2000
Founded
70.000+
Employees
GlaxoSmithKline GmbH & Co. KG at a Glance
GlaxoSmithKline GmbH & Co. KG (GSK) is the German subsidiary of GSK plc (formerly GlaxoSmithKline plc), one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies headquartered in London (United Kingdom). GSK was formed in 2000 through the merger of Glaxo Wellcome plc and SmithKline Beecham plc – two of the most significant pharmaceutical companies in the world at that time. The parent company GSK plc employs approximately 70,000 people worldwide. In 2022, GSK spun off its Consumer Healthcare division into the independent company Haleon plc to focus solely on prescription medicines and vaccines as a pure pharmaceutical company. The German branch is located in Munich (Bavaria), where modern office and research facilities are operated.
Field of Activity & Products
GSK operates in Germany in the therapeutic areas of infectious diseases/vaccines, HIV, oncology, and immunology/respiratory diseases. In the field of HIV, GSK subsidiary ViiV Healthcare markets products such as Triumeq and Cabenuva (listed separately). In the vaccine area – a historically strong field for GSK – Shingrix (herpes zoster vaccine) and Bexsero (meningococcal B vaccine) are significant products. Additionally, GSK offers innovative solutions such as the rotavirus vaccine Rotarix, which helps combat severe diarrhea in young children.
In oncology, GSK provides Zejula (Niraparib, PARP inhibitor) for the treatment of ovarian cancer and Jemperli (Dostarlimab, PD-1 antibody). These products represent GSK's commitment to precision medicine and targeted therapy. In the area of respiratory diseases, GSK offers Anoro and Relvar Ellipta (combination inhalers for COPD and asthma) as well as Nucala (Mepolizumab, anti-IL-5 antibody). GSK was also a co-developer of the COVID-19 vaccine Nuvaxovid (Novavax technology), which plays a significant role in the global vaccination strategy.
- Therapeutic Area HIV: Triumeq, Cabenuva
- Vaccines: Shingrix, Bexsero, Rotarix
- Oncology: Zejula, Jemperli
- Respiratory Diseases: Anoro, Relvar Ellipta, Nucala
- COVID-19: Nuvaxovid
Research & Regulation
GSK invests heavily in research, particularly in vaccines and infectious diseases, as well as in immuno-oncology. The research teams work closely with international research institutions and universities to develop next-generation therapeutic approaches. GSK is also involved in various clinical trials that pave the way for new treatment options.
All products are regulated by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). This authority ensures that all medications are safe and effective before they reach the market. GSK is a member of the Association of Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (vfa) and actively contributes to discussions on regulatory standards and access to medicines.
Regional Importance & Future Prospects
In Bavaria, GSK plays a significant role in the regional pharmaceutical industry, not only by creating jobs but also through collaborations with local research institutions. The Munich location allows the company to benefit from its proximity to innovative startups and academic institutions. These synergies enhance innovation and enable GSK to bring scientifically valid solutions to market quickly.
The future of GSK will be strongly influenced by the ongoing digitalization in healthcare. With developments in telemedicine and advancements in data analysis, GSK plans to integrate new digital therapies to provide patients with better treatment options. The strategy also focuses on sustainable practices in product development to take ecological responsibility.
More information: Pharmaceutical companies in Bavaria or all pharmaceutical companies in Germany on Sanoliste.
Frequently asked questions about GlaxoSmithKline GmbH & Co. KG
What does GlaxoSmithKline GmbH & Co. KG do?
Die GlaxoSwithhKline GmbH & Co. KG erforscht, develops and produces in ihren drei Geschäftsfelthen medicines, Impfstoffe and Gesandheitsvorsorge. Erkrankung the Atemwege, HIV-Infektion and the Gebiete Immunologie and Onkologie are ihre Kernthemen. Die products zur Consumer Healthcare umfassen Mittel, the leichtere gesandheitliche Beschare linthen. Sie is als Gesandheitsundernehmen weltweit tätig.
More Pharmaceutical Companies in München
Pharmaceutical Companies in Germany
Related areas in healthcare
Pharmaceutical Companies by location
About Pharmaceutical Companies
Germany is one of the world's leading pharmaceutical nations, home to more than 1,000 pharmaceutical businesses employing approximately 130,000 people (vfa 2023). Companies operating in this sector develop, manufacture and distribute medicines across the entire value chain, from early-stage research and clinical trials through to market authorisation and commercial distribution. In Germany, every manufacturer of medicinal products must hold a manufacturing authorisation (Herstellungserlaubnis) issued under Section 13 of the AMG (Arzneimittelgesetz, Germany's Medicinal Products Act). Medicines may only be placed on the market after receiving approval from either BfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, Germany's Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, broadly comparable to the FDA in the United States or the MHRA in the United Kingdom) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA) via the centralised procedure. All manufacturing sites are subject to regular GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) inspections carried out by the competent pharmaceutical supervisory authority of the relevant German federal state. The sector covers prescription-only medicines (Rx), non-prescription OTC products, generics, biosimilars and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). This directory lists pharmaceutical manufacturers, marketers and licence holders across all German federal states with full contact details, addresses and phone numbers.
Germany's Pharmaceutical Industry
Germany is consistently ranked among the top five pharmaceutical markets worldwide, generating annual revenues exceeding EUR 50 billion and accounting for the largest share of pharmaceutical production in continental Europe. The industry is represented by two major associations: vfa (Verband Forschender Arzneimittelhersteller), which represents research-based companies, and BAH (Bundesverband der Arzneimittel-Hersteller), which represents the broader manufacturer base including OTC and self-medication products. German pharmaceutical companies cover the full spectrum from global innovator corporations and mid-sized specialty manufacturers to generic producers and biotech firms. The country is a world leader in active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production, biologics manufacturing and pharmaceutical chemistry. Key therapeutic areas of strength include oncology, cardiovascular medicine, immunology, neuroscience and rare diseases. Germany also serves as a significant export hub, with pharmaceutical products among the country's leading export categories. The sector benefits from a highly skilled workforce, world-class university research institutions and a dense network of research hospitals (Universitätsklinika) that facilitate clinical trial activity.
Regulatory Framework: BfArM, EMA and the AMG
The legal foundation for pharmaceutical activity in Germany is the Arzneimittelgesetz (AMG, German Medicinal Products Act), which regulates the authorisation, manufacture, import, distribution, labelling and pharmacovigilance of medicinal products. For English-speaking readers unfamiliar with the German regulatory landscape: BfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte) is the national competent authority responsible for approving medicines marketed only in Germany, supervising narcotics, and maintaining the pharmacovigilance database. BfArM is a higher federal authority (Bundesoberbehörde) subordinate to the Federal Ministry of Health (Bundesministerium für Gesundheit). For medicines approved via the centralised EU procedure, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) grants a single marketing authorisation valid in all 27 EU member states. Germany is also home to the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut (PEI), a second federal authority that specifically handles biological medicines including vaccines, blood products and gene therapy products. Manufacturing sites are inspected by state-level pharmaceutical supervisory authorities (Landesbehörden) to verify GMP compliance, with findings entered into the EudraGMDP database operated by the EMA.
Regional Pharmaceutical Clusters in Germany
Germany's pharmaceutical industry is geographically distributed across several major regional clusters. The Rhine-Main area around Frankfurt and Leverkusen in North Rhine-Westphalia is home to some of Germany's largest pharmaceutical sites, including facilities belonging to global corporations with long histories in German chemistry and pharmaceuticals. Bavaria (particularly Munich, Penzberg and Marburg) is a second major hub, especially strong in biotechnology and biologics production. Baden-Württemberg, including cities such as Mannheim, Heidelberg and Biberach an der Riss, is home to several significant research-based manufacturers. Hamburg and the northern German region have a cluster of specialty and generic manufacturers. Berlin has a growing biotech scene connected to its research universities and the Charité hospital. Hesse is notable for its proximity to Frankfurt's logistics infrastructure and several major API manufacturers. Smaller but significant clusters exist in Saxony (Leipzig, Dresden) and Lower Saxony, benefiting from proximity to university research centres and historically established chemical industry sites.
Drug Classes and Product Segments
German pharmaceutical companies cover all major drug classes. Prescription (Rx) products account for the largest share of revenue; generics manufacturers such as Stada, ratiopharm (Teva) and Hexal produce chemically equivalent alternatives after patent expiry, significantly reducing costs for the healthcare system. Biologics and biosimilars are gaining ground rapidly: monoclonal antibodies, insulin analogues and recombinant growth factors require specialised biotech manufacturing facilities. OTC products (over-the-counter), i.e. medicines available without a prescription, represent a multi-billion-euro market served by companies such as Bayer Consumer Health, Stada and Klosterfrau. Homeopathic preparations, herbal medicines and dietary supplements form further regulated segments. Digitalisation is increasingly shaping the sector: Digital Health Applications (DiGA) have been reimbursable since 2020, and AI-assisted drug development is significantly shortening time-to-market.
What does a pharmaceutical company do?
Pharmaceutical companies develop, produce and distribute medicines. They cover the entire value chain from research and clinical trials through to market launch and distribution. In Germany, they are supervised by BfArM (the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, comparable to the FDA or MHRA).
How are pharmaceutical companies regulated in Germany?
Pharmaceutical companies in Germany must hold a manufacturing authorisation under Section 13 of the AMG (German Medicinal Products Act). All authorised medicines require approval from either BfArM or the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Regular GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) inspections ensure quality standards are maintained.
Where can I find contact details for pharmaceutical companies in Germany?
Industry associations such as vfa (Association of Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies) and BPI (Federal Association of the German Pharmaceutical Industry) maintain member directories. Many companies also list their key contacts directly on their websites. Sanoliste provides a searchable directory of pharmaceutical companies in Germany sorted by federal state and city.
How many pharmaceutical companies are there in Germany?
Germany is home to more than 1,000 pharmaceutical companies employing approximately 130,000 people, according to vfa (the Association of Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies) 2023 data. The sector includes multinational corporations, mid-sized specialty firms, generic manufacturers and biotech startups.
What is BfArM and what does it regulate?
BfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte) is Germany's Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices. It is a higher federal authority within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Health and is responsible for approving medicines for the German market, monitoring drug safety (pharmacovigilance), regulating narcotics and controlled substances, and overseeing medical devices in Germany. It is broadly comparable to the FDA in the United States or the MHRA in the United Kingdom.
What is the difference between BfArM approval and EMA approval?
Medicines in Germany can be approved through two main routes. BfArM grants national marketing authorisations valid in Germany, or decentralised and mutual recognition procedure approvals valid in multiple EU states. The EMA (European Medicines Agency) grants centralised marketing authorisations valid in all 27 EU member states simultaneously, typically used for innovative biologic medicines, oncology drugs and products for rare diseases.
What does GMP mean in the context of German pharmaceutical manufacturing?
GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practice. In Germany and the EU, GMP compliance is a legal requirement for all pharmaceutical manufacturers under the AMG and the EU GMP Guidelines (EudraLex Volume 4). GMP covers all aspects of production including premises, equipment, personnel qualification, process validation, documentation and quality control. Compliance is verified by regular inspections from the competent state pharmaceutical supervisory authority.